WPL 2026: Gardner Lauds Indian Players After Gujarat Giants Edge Delhi Capitals by 4 Runs

Gujarat, Jan 12 : Gujarat Giants skipper Ashleigh Gardner underlined the decisive role of Indian players in the Women’s Premier League after her team pulled off a nail biting four run victory over Delhi Capitals in Match 4 of WPL 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, the Giants posted a formidable 209 all out in 20 overs, powered by a blistering 95 off 42 balls from New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and a rapid 49 off 26 from Gardner. However, Gujarat’s momentum was checked late in the innings by Delhi Capitals’ young pacer Nandani Sharma, who produced a stunning maiden five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick in the final over.

In reply, Delhi Capitals mounted a fierce chase led by Lizelle Lee (85) and Laura Wolvaardt (77), taking the game down to the wire with just seven runs required off the last over. Devine then turned match-winner with the ball, conceding only two runs and dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues and Wolvaardt to seal the dramatic win.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gardner praised the impact of her Indian teammates, particularly the bowlers.
“Overseas players make these competitions, but Indian players win you these competitions. Our bowlers did an amazing job, especially our two left arm spinners. Anushka too, with that sensational save,” she said.

Gardner admitted that totals and equations once considered safe are no longer comfortable in Indian conditions.
“Even 60 runs off four overs can feel achievable here. It was one of those games that stayed in the balance throughout. To defend seven in the last over, we probably stole it, and that gives the dressing room a lot of confidence,” she added.

She also felt Gujarat were slightly short of their ideal total.
“We felt we were about 15 runs short. We knew their batting had firepower, so we had to bowl and field really well. There are still plenty of learnings, but it’s great to have two wins on the board,” Gardner said.

Despite suffering their second defeat in as many matches, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues expressed pride in her team’s fightback.
“I’m very proud of the girls and the way we fought. Devine put us under pressure, but the way Nandani and Charani bowled was outstanding. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but there are a lot of positives,” she said.

Jemimah pointed out that powerplay bowling remains an area of concern after conceding 80 runs in the first six overs.
“We need to sort out our powerplay plans. When someone like Devine is in that kind of form, it’s tough. In games like these, you really want to finish on the winning side,” she added, while backing her side to bounce back after the break.

She reserved special praise for Nandani Sharma, who returned figures of 5 for 33.
“She’s been one of our top picks. A captain’s delight so accurate and fearless. I’m really happy for her,” Jemimah said.

The thrilling contest highlighted both the star power of overseas players and the growing match winning influence of Indian talent in WPL 2026.